AnaSpec is excited to announce the release of a series
of newly IHC validated antibodies. This month, we introduce the CARMA/CARD/Bimp
antibodies.

CARMA proteins are scaffold molecules that belong
to the membrane-associated guanylate kinase-like (MAGUK) and the caspase-associated
recruitment domain (CARD) protein families. They play critical role in antigen
receptor signaling pathways.1-4 CARMA-1 (CARD-11) CARMA-2 (CARD-14), and CARMA-3
(CARD-10) share homologous sequence and functions but are found in different
tissues. CARMA1 is predominantly located in lymphoid tissue.5 CARMA-1 protein associates with lipid rafts1 and interacts
with Bcl10, that is required for activation of TCR induced NFkB signaling pathway.1,2,4
Specifically, CARMA-1 N-terminal CARD domain binds to Bcl10 CARD motif.5
It is also essential for protein-induced IL-2 and INF-g production.2
CARMA-2 is mostly found in placenta.5 CARMA-2
protein induces NFkB activation; however, its signaling
pathway it is not yet known.5 CARMA-3 is most abundant in nonhematopoietic cells.5 CARMA-3 protein physically associates with IKK complex
and induces NFkB activation via LPA signaling pathway.7
CARMA genes deactivation studies in mice resulted in reduced immunoglobulin
levels and absence of TCR-induced NFkB activation.4,6,7 This suggests that CARMA mutations may lead to
adaptive and innate immunity malfunction.

Immunohistochemistry of these antibodies was performed
by an anatomic pathologist on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human or mouse
tissues. Table 1 summarizes the IHC results. At least 22 different human
or mouse tissues or cell types, including positive and negative tissues were
used for each antibody tested. Dilutions of the antibodies at 2.5, 5, 10 and
20 ug/ml were tested, with the optimal concentration found to be at 10 ug/ml.
These antibodies, provided at 50 ug, are sufficient for at least 5 IHCs. Moderate
to strong staining with minimal background staining at the expected target
tissues were observed for the antibodies. A representative image from a positively stained tissue is
shown for each antibody. It shows the localization of the antibody as the
precipitated red signal, with a hematoxylin purple nuclear counterstain.